Christmas is in 2 days – what! Days have merged into one this month but here we are, Christmas 09 then the dawn of a new year begins. Personally, I am really excited for the new year. In fact, very optimistic. Because this new life in Africa, though a challenge, has shown me, dreams really do have the chance to shine like stars in your life. Things can happen. Things can change as soon as I just start moving and walking.

So for this Christmas and New Year, I’m in Lamu, on the coast of Kenya just north of Mombasa and along the Indian Ocean. Lamu is an ancient Arab-Egyptian Island dating back to early civilization. Think: long sunlight hours; heat that reaches 30+; donkeys as the only mode of transport; narrow streets; stone walls; wood carvings around the door frames; simple-beautiful furniture; greetings from every kid on the street almost with, “Jambo”; tiny art spaces where artists work for a living; magnificent tropical plant life; a slower pace of life; white sand beaches; silky warm sea waters for swimming; lush fruit and seafood; warm people; strong Swahili culture; boats as transport-mangrove cruising-tropical fish coral reef snorkeling-Christmas evening sunset trip-yes yes yes!

So yes its been a great holiday so far. Relaxing; soaking in the sun: eating fabulous food; staying on an ancient island that just happens to have few annoying tourists.

Its funny though, as we really have no idea its Christmas season as there is little of the associated madness. There’s a festival groove and vibe all over town, but the stores haven’t got their sale or Christmas window. Its weird. But its also incredibly cool to do something different. To be somewhere different and to appreciate Christmas through the lives of a different culture.

For this year I want to say, thanks. Thank you for all the love you have sent me this year through email, this blog, facebook and twitter. I have really appropriated it, it has meant a lot.

One hard week. But a significant and beautiful send off for our director, hero and friend, James.

Thursday presented a day where we celebrated and remembered a life well lived. A memorial service for a life of humor, achivement, grace, living justice, mission, family, international connections and dreams accomplished.
The service was at his home church Cornerstone Faith Assembly near the Fadhili offices.
This service was deeply moving and incredibly hard but by the end of the day, it felt like a lot of pain had been lifted.

James was 31 when he was murdered just outside gates of his compound. His young 9 month old daughter and beautiful young wife are left behind, but with the support of Fadhili Community the family will be well looked after.

His legacy expands well into all corners of Kenya. He was part of planting 30+ churches. He established a childrens home for orphaned children, Madison House. He built a house for his mother and took care of finnacial burdens of his family. Built a very successful local NGO, Fadhili Community with a strong volunteer network accross the globe.
But more than any of this he was just a super fun and enjoyable person to be around.

On Friday we travelled about 50mins north near Naivasha to the community of Kinani where his mama and family lived, the site of the new house; to conduct a funeral and burial service. The first part of the servise involved speachs, prayers, messages, song, photographs and eulogy. Memory and praise for a life well lived. Close to 1000 people attended. The second half of the service the coffin was carried out around the side of the property into freashly cultivated land where the pressesion of the coffin slowly made it’s way to final resting place. As soil is scatered and covered over his coffin final closures are made in lovers hearts. Flowers are placed all over his grave which represented the colour of life he was to so many people, even from all around the world. The final prayers and the cross pushed into the soil. The final resting place for a life well lived.
Then several trees were planted around the site. This was so good, to plant a little tree.
And then food!….Kenyans know how to feed a crowd. So by this time tears have started to go replaced by smiles and a lightness begins to ease heavy hearts.

So that’s the last two days.
James was given the memory that was so true to who he was.

My eyes are tired and
my bones frail
My heart is heavy and
my mind is questioning
My faith has been punched and
my face is broken
My body is brusised and
my energy deflated

To find some resolution,
is refused
To find solace,
is waiting patiently

To discover truth
and to understand humanity
means to find life
is full of pain.

Valleys and deserts
Mountains and lakes

The truth of life
plays his symphony

that to discover true life
is to discover true pain

Tears stream down faces
Sadness pulls the soul throgh gravel
Mysterory is ever mysterious
And once told stories,
become gulps of weight

Love is waiting for her ticket
Pain meets her at crossroads

Pain is pushing for strength to come
A strength not yet here
A stength that hides from tomorrow
But a strength to come

Like the stars in Africas night sky
Like the energy of a Cheateh in the Mara
Like the Fish Eagle soaring Lake Naivasha
Like the style of Zebras stripes in Nakuru
Like the majesty of Elephant herds in Aberdere

James fashioned true beauty
And lived for more than his eyes had seen

For the good news was given to the poor;
Mouths were feed
Books given to little hands
Shoes onto bare feet
Medications distributed freely